Can a Vitamin Help Prevent Skin Cancer? Exploring the Role of Niacin

By: Holly L. Thacker, MD • Posted on October 28, 2025

Let’s talk about a vitamin that is in the news for its potential to help prevent skin cancer: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3.

As a physician who’s passionate about empowering women with knowledge about their health, I love sharing insights on nutrients that can make a real difference. Niacin is one of those quiet powerhouses that supports everything from your skin to your heart, your brain, and even your joints.

What Is Niacin?

Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin, which means your body doesn’t store it - you need to get it regularly from your diet. It plays a key role in converting the food you eat into energy.

Skin Benefits—and Beyond

One of the most exciting areas of research around niacin is its impact on skin health. You may have heard of niacinamide, a form of niacin that’s often found in skincare products. It helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, improves hydration, and protects against environmental damage. It’s also been shown to help with acne and eczema.

A recent study found that nicotinamide supplements (another form of niacin) may reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers - especially in people who’ve already had skin cancer. The biggest reduction was seen among people who began taking the supplement after being diagnosed with their first skin cancer. Researchers found those who took 500 mg of nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, twice daily, for at least one month, had a 54% reduced risk of developing another skin cancer, compared to patients who did not take the supplement.

Overall, the reduction in skin cancer risk, across all the participants, was about 14 percent. The reduction was seen in non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The biggest reduction was in squamous cell cancers.

Brain, Digestion, and Joint Support

Niacin isn’t just skin-deep. It supports a healthy nervous system, helps maintain cognitive function, and plays a role in producing digestive enzymes—which are essential for absorbing nutrients.

Some early studies even suggest that niacinamide may help improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis. While more research is needed, it’s a promising area for those dealing with joint pain.

Heart Health: A Cautionary Tale

Niacin has long been used to help manage cholesterol levels. It can raise HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and lower LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). But—and this is important—high-dose niacin supplements aren’t for everyone.

Recent studies show that in some patients, especially those consuming fortified foods, high doses may actually increase inflammation and cardiovascular risk. So please, talk to your doctor before starting any niacin supplement regimen.

Energy and Mood

Niacin helps your body process fats and sugars into usable energy. If you’re feeling fatigued, foggy, or moody, a deficiency in B vitamins—including niacin—could be part of the picture.

In fact, low levels of niacin can lead to symptoms like:

Depression
Anxiety
Fatigue
Memory loss
Headaches

In severe cases, deficiency can cause pellagra, a potentially fatal condition marked by skin issues, diarrhea, and dementia.

Where to Find Niacin Naturally

Here’s a list of niacin-rich foods to keep in your kitchen:

Chicken breast, turkey, pork, ground beef
Tuna, salmon, anchovies
Liver (yes, liver!)
Peanuts, avocado, brown rice, whole wheat
Mushrooms, green peas, potatoes
Eggs, milk, bananas
Legumes and chia seeds
Fortified cereals and grains

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get the niacin your body needs - without the risks that come with high-dose supplements.

The Side Effects of Niacin

While niacin is generally safe from food sources, supplements can cause side effects like:

Flushing
Rosacea flare-ups
Liver damage
High blood sugar
Muscle pain
Low blood pressure
Worsened gout or allergies

Always consult your physician before starting any new supplement - especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Niacin may not be the trendiest vitamin on the shelf, but it’s one of the most versatile and impactful. Whether you’re looking to support your skin, boost your energy, or protect your heart, niacin deserves a place in your conversation with your healthcare team.

Be Strong, Be Healthy, Be in Charge!

-Holly L. Thacker, MD

Holly L. Thacker, MD, FACP is nationally known for her leadership in women’s health. She is the founder of the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Fellowship and is currently the Professor and Director of the Center for Specialized Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic and Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Thacker is also the Executive Director of Speaking of Women’s Health and the author of The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause. Her special interests and areas of research including menopause and related medical problems including osteoporosis, hormone therapy, breast cancer risk assessment, menstrual disorders, female sexual dysfunction and interdisciplinary women’s health.

women's health, women's health tips, niacin, skin cancer, cancer, niacin foods, dr. holly thacker, Dr. Thacker, speaking of women's health

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